Gone are the days when World Cup matches were free of red cards—or so it seemed. The 2026 opener between Mexico and South Africa saw three dismissals, nearly matching the total number of red cards shown in the entire tournaments of Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. South Africa’s Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off, while Mexico’s Cesar Montes received a stoppage-time red.
Red cards
It has been 20 years since three players were dismissed in one game, last seen in the 2006 finals. Under Pierluigi Collina’s tenure as FIFA’s head of referees, red cards became rare, with laws around denying goalscoring opportunities relaxed. Yet, VAR reviews and stricter enforcement of player behavior may be shifting the tone. Sithole’s foul was clear, but Zwane’s dismissal for violent conduct sparked debate. Whether this signals a return to the chaotic days of multiple reds remains to be seen.
#latestmalaysia
Table of Contents
Read More News on Latest Malaysia
Follow us on:
Read More News on Business News Malaysia
Read More News on SG Business News
Read More News on World Future TV
